5 Reasons Why You Should List Your Home This Winter

You want to sell your house, but you aren’t sure when to list it. 

You may have heard that the real estate market is at its peak during the summer months. While the market does heat up from May to August, there are disadvantages to listing your home in the summer. With so many homes on the market at once, making your home stand out in the crowd can be hard and competition among sellers is high. 

So, why not list your home during the winter? The market might not be as hot, but listing your home in the winter has its advantages. Using the season to your advantage can mean selling your home with less stress and at a great price. 

Winter Brings Out The Serious Buyers

In the winter, there tend to be fewer people looking to buy homes. At first, this may not sound like a good. However, in this case, fewer people are actually an advantage. While there may be fewer people viewing your home, the ones who do are more likely to be serious buyers.

In part, it comes down to convenience. In the summer months, potential buyers are more willing to drop in on open houses. They schedule viewings of homes without being ready to commit. In the winter, visiting open houses and driving around to viewings isn’t as appealing. Getting time off from work may also be harder. This means that the buyers who are looking during the winter months mean business. 

New Year. New Job. New Home.

A career change is another reason winter buyers may be more motivated. In the corporate world, as well as in government, it is common for big changes to happen at the start of a new year. People who are retiring, who have received a promotion, or who receive a significant year-end bonus may have more ability to afford a new home. Promotions often require a relocation and the good news tends to arrive at the end of the calendar year. With Ottawa being a city of business and government, this situation is a common one. Listing your home in the winter may give you access to a different, and motivated, group of buyers. 

Fewer Winter Listings Means Your Home Can Really Shine

With fewer homes on the market during the winter, your home has a chance to stand out online and in person. Your listing is less likely to get overlooked on MLS. It’s also more likely to make an impression when potential buyers come in-person to a viewing. 

Most home buyers start their search online. Interestingly, the number of home searches increase during the winter months. Buyers are motivated to buy and have less selection making it easier for your listing to shine! Working with your realtor to create an eye-catching online listing can give you a leg up on the competition in the winter. 

More Competition Among Buyers.

Fewer listed homes also means that competition among buyers can be high. Not wanting to miss out on the right home, buyers in a winter market are more likely to put in offers closer to your asking price. This is great news for you and can mean selling your home more quickly and at a better price. 

A Different Kind Of Curb Appeal 

As a city, Ottawa does winter right. From the magic of a snow-covered Byward Market to the world-famous Rideau Canal, winter is part of Ottawa’s identity. Tap into the holiday nostalgia and winter magic and make them work for you. 

Without lawns to mow and gardens to tend, you can show off your home’s cozy factor. Keep your driveway and walkways clear and sanded to give buyers a sense of ease. Make sure special features like a fireplace or woodstove are in excellent condition and on display. 

The hygge trend is still going strong. Making your home look warm and inviting can go a long way in a winter market. 

Show Off Your Home’s Winter Readiness

While the winters in Ottawa can be beautiful, they can also be long and hard. Showing off your home’s ability to withstand the winter weather is important. Including details about upgrades to your furnace, windows, and roof in a summer listing is one thing. When your home is listed in the winter, potential buyers get to experience your home’s winter readiness first hand. 

Are You Thinking Of Listing Your Ottawa Home This Winter?

Listing your home in the winter has a number of advantages. From tapping into a motivated group of buyers to highlighting your home’s winter readiness, winter listings can really shine. Make the most of the season. Call Roch St-Georges now at 613-889-7732 to discuss marketing your home and about creating a listing that will make your home stand out.